The Highlander's Vow (Loch Moigh #4) Read online

  Also by Barbara Longley

  Love from the Heartland series, set in Perfect, Indiana

  Far from Perfect

  The Difference a Day Makes

  A Change of Heart

  The Twisted Road to You

  The Novels of Loch Moigh

  True to the Highlander

  The Highlander’s Bargain

  The Highlander’s Folly

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Text copyright © 2016 Barbara Longley

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Montlake Romance, Seattle

  www.apub.com

  Amazon, the Amazon logo, and Montlake Romance are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

  ISBN-13: 9781503934887

  ISBN-10: 1503934888

  Cover design by Jason Blackburn

  Cover illustration by Dana Ashton France

  This book is dedicated to my readers. Thank you!

  CONTENTS

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  EPILOGUE

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  CHAPTER ONE

  Scotland, 1443

  Weary of travel and sore from sitting upon her palfrey’s saddle-clad back, Sky Elizabeth shifted yet again, trying to ease her discomfort. She shivered against the damp chill, and her gaze strayed to the keep looming against the distant horizon. The sight of Kildrummy Castle, soon to be her home, brought her no joy, and her heart grew heavy at the thought of her betrothed.

  Sir Oliver of clan Erskine did not want her any more than she wanted him, and thanks to her accursed fae gifts, Sky could not pretend otherwise. He could not hide his true feelings behind good manners or honeyed words. Faced with naught but a life of loneliness amidst strangers, ’twas duty alone that compelled her forward.

  “Just think, Sky.” Helen, her younger sister, nudged her mount ahead so the two of them rode abreast. “You’ll be a bride within a fortnight. I envy you. Your betrothed is young and quite pleasing to look upon.”

  Her sister’s dreamy-eyed expression served only to deepen Sky’s misery. “I’ll gladly trade places with you, Helen. You may marry the earl of Mar’s grandson, and I shall remain at Loch Moigh.” For the rest of my days.

  A lump rose to her throat. Indeed, had it not been for the passing of her grandsire, the old earl of Fife, following so closely upon the loss of her great-uncle, she would already be Oliver’s wife. She’d been granted a reprieve, and now ’twas at an end. “I am nearly one and twenty, well past the age most ladies of noble birth marry. ’Twould please me well enough to remain unwed.”

  “Nay, you dinna . . .” Helen studied her for an instant and frowned. “Och, you do mean it. Do you no’ yearn for bairns of your own?”

  Like her, Helen had a trace of fae blood running through her veins, and she too could discern truth from lie. With the exception of her younger brother Thomas, all of Sky’s siblings, including her foster brother, Hunter, were “gifted,” as her mother would say.

  “Nay.” Sky shook her head. “I want to become a healer and a midwife like cousin Erin and Ma, only without the additional burdens of a husband and bairns.”

  Quick and sharp, a yearning cut through Sky’s heart, and just as quickly she closed herself off from the unwanted emotion. She could not hope for bairns, not if it meant they’d be burdened with the same fae traits she carried. Hiding her gifts took a heavy toll. ’Twas exhausting, and the price of being such an oddity carried far too great a risk.

  Only ensconced within the bosom of her clan and kin did she feel safe. At Loch Moigh she could be her true self, and that was where she wished to remain.

  “Hmm.” Helen frowned. “Mayhap you and Oliver will come to care for one another with time, aye? And you can practice your healing arts with the Erskine clan as well as you can with ours.”

  “Mayhap.” She doubted time would have any effect on how she and Oliver felt for one another, and she kent well enough she could only practice her healing arts if her husband granted his permission for her to do so. She would soon become the future countess of Mar, and ’twas not considered seemly for a countess to attend the births of commoners, or to act as a village wisewoman, setting broken bones and tending the sick.

  Sky turned her attention to the surrounding hills, already showing hints of green from the early spring rains. This late in the afternoon, and with the sun hidden behind heavy clouds, the Grampian Mountains appeared a dark bluish-gray. How fitting. The day she arrived at her new home should be dull, gray and dismal.

  Blinking against the sting in her eyes, she looked to her da and ma, who rode at the head of their party. David, the elder of her twin brothers and heir to the earldom, took his place behind their parents. Sky’s sister rode beside her, and their entire party was flanked by a score of MacKintosh guards.

  “We shall arrive before nightfall,” Helen said. “’Tis certain Owain regrets ’twas he Da entrusted with the clan’s well-being whilst we are away. He so loves travel and adventure.”

  “Aye, that he does, and when he canna find adventure, he’s sure to stir up mischief for his own amusement.” Sky shook her head, remembering some of her brother’s antics from the past. “For certes, ’tis why Da chose to leave him behind to look after things at home. Owain needs to settle down and take his responsibilities more seriously, and with no one else at Moigh Hall but him, he’ll be forced to shoulder the burden of looking after the clan. I trow he’ll have no time for aught else.”

  Their youngest sibling, Sarah, had also remained at home, so their granddam would have company. And Thomas, her youngest brother, was fostering with Hunter, who was now the baron DúnConnell. ’Twas too close to the birth of their second bairn for Lady Meghan to travel, and they’d not be attending the wedding.

  A wave of sadness engulfed her. Of all her siblings, ’twas the twins she’d miss most, for they embodied all the qualities she lacked. Her brothers were bold and fearless, whilst she lurked in the periphery, watching their antics and longing to have but a small portion of their audacity.

  Nay. ’Twas not in her nature to be adventurous or daring. She was the dutiful daughter, the proper lady, demure and acquiescent. Safety and security meant far more to her than adventure. Glancing once again toward Kildrummy, the keep’s Snow Tower growing ever larger, she contemplated the merits of a sudden declaration to take vows and don the veil at the nearest abbey.

  All too quickly the distance between her kin and the portcullis of Kildrummy Castle disappeared. Once through the barbican, they were met by a festive gathering, led by Lord Robert, the earl of Mar, his lady wife and Oliver, Sky’s betrothed.

  Several guests in residence for the wedding filled the inner bailey, and Sky’s senses were assaulted by a myriad of emotions: curiosity, excitement, resentment and . . . jealousy? Searching the faces around her, she sought th
e source of the resentment and envy, for those powerful emotions emanated from a single individual.

  “My lady.” Oliver reached up to help her from her mount as a stable lad took the reins. “Welcome to Kildrummy Castle.”

  Placing her hands on his shoulders, she slid off her mare’s back and into his arms. This is when my heart should flutter, yet I feel naught. And from Oliver? Resignation. Peering into his blue eyes, she searched for the merest ember of warmth and found only indifference. “My thanks, Sir Oliver.”

  “How was your journey, my lady?” He took her hand and placed it within the crook of his elbow. “Did you encounter any difficulties along the way?”

  “Nay. Our journey was quite uneventful.” Her parents were busy exchanging pleasantries with the earl, and her brother and sister stayed close beside them. Having similar fae abilities as she, her siblings must also be suffering the onslaught of feelings swirling through the air.

  She and Oliver were alone at the outer edge of the throng. Now was the time to beg him to release her from a bleak future devoid of love—or even the slightest wisp of affection. Sky cast a glance his way, racking her brain for some legitimate reason why they should not wed—and failed. Not for the first time she cursed her rank. Duty and obligation to her kin and clan weighed heavily upon her, a burden she could not be free of without causing an outright feud between the Erskines and MacKintosh.

  Once again a surge of jealousy reached her. Sky surveyed the people milling about and met the glare of a young woman. “Who might that lady be, my lord?” She tilted her head in the direction of the flaxen-haired lass standing by a portly older man. By the look of the two, they were kin to one another.

  “Hmm?” Oliver followed her line of sight. “Ah, that is Lady Alice, the daughter of baron Lumsden, who stands beside her. They are our nearest neighbors to the east.”

  Sky sensed Oliver’s pulse quickening as his gaze lingered upon the lass. He couldn’t hide his desire for Alice, nor could he mask the warmth filling his eyes. No wonder Lady Alice suffered envy and resentment toward her. The two are in love.

  Sky gasped at the revelation. She now had a way out of her unwanted marriage. All she need do was arrange time alone with Oliver, and she could talk him into approaching their parents together. Once they convinced all involved that there would be no animosity over yet another broken betrothal between their clans—her father and the earl of Mar’s daughter being the first more than a score of years past—Oliver would be free to marry Alice.

  She’d be free to return to Moigh Hall, her true home. Her heart’s desire to continue learning the healing arts could finally be realized. She’d remain in the service of her beloved kin and clan. Aye, ’twas the perfect solution. Surely her betrothed would be as relieved as she to find himself free of the unwanted union.

  Damnation! Sky poured water from the ewer into the basin and washed her face. Nearly a se’nnight had passed since she’d arrived at Kildrummy Castle, and not once had she been able to arrange time alone with her betrothed. What with all the feasting and entertainments, and Oliver’s obvious avoidance of her, she’d not had a single opportunity to convince him to release her from their marriage contract.

  Time was slipping through her fingers. They were to be wed three days hence. She had to act. Determination stiffened her spine. She’d hunt him down this very day and bring him to ground if need be.

  Helen sat up in the large bed they shared, stretched and yawned. “You’re up and dressed early this morn. Have you somewhere to be? Do you mean to attend mass?”

  “I am up early every day, Helen. I wish to see the hunting party off.” The earl of Mar, her da, brother and several other guests planned to hunt wild boar, which gave her an excuse to wander the keep in search of Oliver. He planned to remain behind, claiming he cared naught for such sport, as he preferred to hunt with falcons.

  “I’m going back to sleep then. After last eve’s entertainments, I trow none of the other ladies will be afoot yet.” Sighing, her sister flopped back onto the down mattress.

  “As you will.” Sky cleaned her teeth, brushed and braided her hair and set out for the great hall. The large chamber held a goodly number intending to go on the hunt, along with a few of the ladies wishing them well. Food had been laid out, and many were breaking their fast. She joined her family where they sat at the far end of the high table. “Good morn.” Sky took a place beside her brother and reached for a piece of the thick black bread and a slice of cheese.

  Her mother reached across the table and patted Sky’s arm. “Good morning. Where’s Helen?”

  “Still abed. She’d sleep every morning away if allowed. ’Tis no’ a good habit, Ma. You should speak to her.” Scanning the great hall, she searched for Oliver.

  “If you’re looking for your betrothed, he’s not here,” her mother said. “We haven’t seen him yet this morning.”

  Nodding, Sky took a bite of her bread and cheese. Today. I will find him, and he will listen to me. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart pounded with trepidation.

  Her mother’s brow rose. “Is everything all right, Sky?”

  “Aye. I had hoped to catch Oliver here is all. I thought he might be willing to take me riding. We’ve had so little privacy, and with most of the men off hunting, ’twould be the perfect time for the two of us to spend a few hours together.” Clamping down on her roiling emotions, she turned to her brother and da. “I hope the hunt goes well.”

  “As do I.” Her brother rubbed his stomach. “I do so enjoy roasted boar.”

  Her da slapped David’s back. “We’re certain to feast on the morrow from today’s hunt. The gamekeeper and villagers have been complaining about the destruction wrought in the fields and woods by a sounder and their young. ’Tis likely we’ll take a few by day’s end.”

  “Be careful,” her mother said, studying her husband and son. “I don’t want you returning to the keep gored by filthy tusks.”

  “Och, do you no’ ken by now what a canny hunter you’ve wed? This past score of years, have I ever let a boar get the better of me?” Her da placed his hand over her mother’s, his eyes shining with love. “David and I will return to you unscathed, mo leannan. I’ll no’ let aught happen to our lad.”

  “Nor will I let aught happen to Da.” David’s mouth quirked up. “Dinna fash, Ma. We’re MacKintosh.”

  “Even the MacKintosh are vulnerable to a wild boar’s wrath,” her mother murmured, her expression tight with concern.

  “Have you seen aught, mo céile?” her da asked.

  When something threatened their clan, she or her mother oft had visions of the impending danger. Her mother shook her head just as the earl of Mar stood and gave the signal for those wishing to hunt to gather at the stables. The men filtered out, leaving those few ladies who had come to see them off. Sky picked at her meal, her thoughts upon the conversation she meant to have with Oliver.

  “There’s something in the air. I sense it, but I can’t quite tease out what it means.” Her mother propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her fists. Even after all these years, her speech and mannerisms still set her apart, foreign.

  Her mother, Lady True, as she was called by their clan, as well as Lady Erin and Hunter’s wife, Lady Meghan, had all come to the MacKintosh clan from the future. Sky shuddered at the thought of being so unwillingly displaced. Another adventure she wished to avoid. “Och, with so many about, such unsettling feelings are bound to occur. The very air is rife with rivalries, envy and gossip.”

  “Hmm. Speaking of envy, don’t think I haven’t picked up on a certain lass’s resentment toward you.”

  “Wheesht.” Sky searched the hall for any who might be listening. “I am aware as well, but I sense no ill intent. ’Tis only jealousy,” she said, leaning close and lowering her voice to barely a whisper. “I’m no’ concerned.” Should she share her plan with her mother? Nay. Not until she’d had a chance to sort things out with Oliver.

  What i
f he wouldn’t agree to release her? One of the bits of gossip she’d gleaned whilst here was that Lady Alice’s father, like so many other minor barons, was near to impoverished in these trying times. Alice’s dowry was scant, while Sky came to the union rich with land and a nice fat purse, not to mention the alliance their union would secure between the Erskine and MacKintosh clans. “All will be well,” she murmured, trying to convince herself.

  True’s eyes grew bright. “I will miss you so much, Sky. I . . . I can’t believe my firstborn, my baby girl, is leaving the nest.” She clasped Sky’s hands.

  “I will miss you as well.” Sky’s chest tightened and she studied her mother’s features, memorizing every beloved detail. “Come, let us retire to the ladies’ solar and sit with the others for a bit of gossip. ’Twill keep our minds off the sorrow of parting, at least for a bit.”

  “I know you don’t feel anything for Oliver.” Her mother’s grip tightened on Sky’s hands. “I don’t like the way things are done in this time at all. Everything is so political. Heartless. If your father and I hadn’t handfasted while your grandsire was away ransoming King James, you’d—”

  “If you and Da hadn’t wed, I would no’ have been born, and we would no’ be having this discussion.” Sky squeezed her ma’s hands and then released her. She rose and smoothed the skirt of her gown. “Let us speak no more on the subject. A few hours with a needle and thread will calm us both.”

  Like her mother, Sky had taken well to sewing, beading and embroidery. Next to the healing arts, they’d become her favorite pastimes. Following the countess of Mar and the other ladies, she and her mother made their way to the solar. Sky found the basket holding her things and settled into her latest project, a wee garment for Hunter and Meghan’s new bairn. ’Twould be a lass this time. Hunter’s fae abilities had made it possible for him to discern as much. Sky bent her head over her task and stitched away the minutes.

  Glancing out the narrow window, Sky gauged the hours that had already passed. Hadn’t she vowed to find Oliver? Yet here she sat, whiling away the day. Biting her bottom lip, she put her things back into her basket. A strange restlessness took hold, and a sense of urgency unfurled within her. “If you will excuse me, my lady,” she said, bowing slightly to the countess of Mar. “I wish to stretch my legs for a bit.”